Exercise and Eased Glucose Goals Help Weight Loss

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Impact of modified glucose target and exercise interventions on vascular risk factors, by K. Dasgupta and colleagues. Diab Res Clin Prac 72:53-60, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Losing weight is one important way to address obesity and type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes who lose weight are less likely to die from disease of the heart and blood vessels.

But for many people with diabetes, losing weight is hard to do. They may have trouble getting enough exercise. Also, most diabetes medications (with the exception of metformin) are linked to weight gain. Plus, efforts to control after-meal (postprandial) blood glucose levels by adjusting medications can make it harder for a person with diabetes to lose weight.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see whether lower after-meal blood glucose levels help people with diabetes lose weight.

Who was studied?

The study included 43 people with type 2 diabetes who were between 30 and 70 years of age. When they began the study, none of the people were taking insulin or had any major health problems.

How was the study done?

Half of the people adjusted their diabetes medicine to try to reach a strict after-meal blood glucose level (7 mol/l), and the other half tried to reach an easier level (10 mol/l). Half of the people in each group met with a specialist three times a week to exercise. All participants met with a registered dietitian at least six times. The study lasted 24 weeks.

What did the researchers find?

Participants who exercised lowered their blood pressure. Overall, there were no major differences between those who used the strict level and those who used the easier level of after-meal blood glucose targets. They lost about the same amount of weight average blood glucose levels. However, those who attended 75% or more of the exercise classes had more weight loss and improved signs of fitness.

What were the limitations of the study?

The number of participants in the study was fairly small, which may make the results hard to interpret. The differences between groups were small, and may not have been measured accurately. Ten people, or nearly one-quarter of the participants, didn't finish the study, which may have affected the results as well. Also, the participants were generally healthy, without the complications of diabetes or other major medical issues, so the results may not apply to other people.

What are the implications of the study?

Maximizing the dose of metformin, combined with an exercise program, dietary counseling, and easier-to-achieve after-meal glucose targets, may help people with diabetes lose weight.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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